Introduction

 

One of the key bases of the knowledge economy is education. The education landscape in the knowledge economy is dominated by higher education, life-long learning and scientific knowledge. Three particular aspects of learning are - professional, vocational and workplace learning. There has been rapid proliferation of scientific and practical knowledge due to continuous production of new knowledge. This requires continuous upgrading of knowledge. The vision underlying Kerala Perspective Plan 2030 is to make Kerala a key node in the global knowledge network by 2030. It will be among the top-ranked countries in terms of efficiency, competitiveness, services and market delivery in education, recognised for academic excellence and innovation. Higher education institutions will be the engine for new ideas through research sustaining innovative enterprises of the future.

 

To create a world class education system with higher education at the centre of knowledge economy, Kerala needs to benchmark its higher education sector against the world’s best. Kerala also needs to move from knowledge dissemination to knowledge creation. This will mean a complete transformation of the existing structure of higher education, shifting to a model where universities are driven to become more enterprising to enhance national competitiveness in innovation, R&D and technological advancement. There will be emphasis on R&D, innovation and academic entrepreneurship.

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Section 1

Scientific Services & Research

 

As India aspires for fast, sustainable and inclusive growth, the Indian Science Technology and Innovation System along with the advantages of a large demographic dividend and the huge talent pool needs to play a defining role in achieving the national goals. Government of India realising this has announced the National Science and Technology Policy 2013. The key elements of the policy are highlighted in Box 7.1.

 

Source: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

 

 

 

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

 

7.2 The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) constituted in November 2002 in place of erstwhile Science, Technology and Environment Committee (STEC), established in 1972, plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in Kerala. The Council has wide ranging activities from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on the one hand and development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other. The Council prepares the road map for development through scientific research and innovation in technologies, interactions with academia-industry, and building strong infrastructure and developing a high quality science education system in the State.

 

7.3 Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment supports Research and Development efforts of the R&D Centres by providing assistance to creation of physical infrastructure and procurement of Scientific infrastructure through Development and Selective Augmentation of R&D activities. The initiatives of the council are shown in Figure 7.1

 

7.4 The KSCSTE aims at promotion of Research and Developments in both fundamental and applied research and extends financial assistance to projects in emerging areas of science and engineering. It has been awarding doctoral and post doctoral research fellowships to researchers and has been trying to utilise the expertise of eminent retired scientists at home or abroad by the emeritus scientist scheme. It also extends school level programmes and promotes young talent in schools and nurtures excellence in science teaching. It encourages women in science specially and has been implementing ‘back to lab’ programme for qualified women who had undergone a career break due to family reasons and wish to return to the mainstream as scientist.

 

Fig 7.1

Major initiatives of KSCSTE

 

7.5 The KSCSTE makes deliberate efforts to popularize science including basic science, applied science, technology, environmental science, medical science and related areas among people with the assistance of Governmental and Non Governmental organizations, colleges and approved institutions. National Science Day and National Technology Day are observed to spread the message of importance of science and its application among the people. Seminar-Symposia-Workshops, Technology Festival, Rural Innovators Meet and Kerala Science Congress were conducted to facilitate interaction among academics, researchers, professionals, industry and policy decision makers.

 

7.6 Technology development and transfer is promoted through Patent Information Centre, Engineering and Technology Programmes, Technology Development and Adaptation Programme, and Rural Technology Programmes etc. It also provides training and consultations in Ecology and Environment Management, Green Technology, Wetland Conservation, and Kerala Coastal Zone Management.

 

7.7 The Council extends awards and recognition to promote science and technology and promote scientific attitude among youngsters. Kerala Sasthra Puraskararam is for life time contribution of a Scientist of Kerala, working anywhere in the world. In addition to this the Council extends Young Scientist Award, Science Literature Awards, Environment Early Career research Award and Outstanding Environment Award to promote science and technology.

 

Major Arms of KSCSTE for Scientific Research

 

7.8 The State has made some significant initiatives for attracting talent to science and careers with research. There are nine Research and Development Institutes in different disciplines of Science functioning under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.

 

Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI)

 

7.9 Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), established in 1975. is an institution conducting research on tropical forests and forestry. This Institute has contributed significantly to research in tropical forestry and biodiversity conservation over the past three decades and serves as a Centre of Excellence in Tropical Forestry. It provides scientific support for decision making on matters related to forestry, with particular emphasis on conservation, sustainable utilization and scientific management of natural resources. The institute has well maintained state of the art instrumentation centre, conducts research in Tissue-culture, Clonal Multiplication, Physiology, Wildlife, Soil Science, Biotechnology, Wood Sciences, Biochemistry, Mycology, Entomology, and Sylviculture etc. It has accumulated impressive collections of plant and animal specimens, and pedological samples on forestry and environment.

 

National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC)

 

7.10 National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) was established in 1976 as a Division of Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KELTRON), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Government of Kerala. In 1982, NATPAC was reconstituted as an R&D institution under the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Kerala. The Centre is undertaking research and consultancy works in the fields of traffic engineering and transportation planning, highway engineering, public transport system, alternate options for transport system, transport energy, inland water transport, and tourism planning and rural roads. Thrust areas of NATPAC research includes transport infrastructure development, new materials for road construction, road safety, and Inland Water Transport System. It has carried out several pioneer studies such as comprehensive traffic and transportation studies for Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Calicut, Intermodal transport planning studies in Quilon-Kochi region, Employment potential studies in Inland Waterways, Planning, implementing and monitoring of the traffic circulation and parking system in New Delhi for the 1982 Delhi Asiad, feasibility studies and Detailed Project Report for National High Ways in the State and outside. It also conducts regular training programmes for students, graduate engineers, and Road Safety Training for different target groups like school children, Government and private drivers and general public on a regular basis.

 

Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM)

 

7.11 The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) was established as an autonomous research organisation by the Government of Kerala in 1978. It is a pioneer institution in the water sector, situated at Kozhikode. CWRDM has substantially contributed to the scientific hydrologic studies and water management in the region. Starting with the establishment of data management system for the region, CWRDM has tackled different problems pertaining to watershed development, wetland management, water management for agriculture, forest and urban hydrology, estuarine management, groundwater development, water quality management, water related environmental issues, irrigation and drainage issues, etc. The institution regularly conducts several training courses to address the needs of Government Departments, NGOs, Local Bodies, etc.

 

Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI)

 

7.12 Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) formerly known as Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) was founded as an autonomous institution in 1979 with the objective of establishing a Conservatory Botanic Garden of tropical plant resources in general and of the country and the Kerala state in particular. It also undertakes research programmes for the sustainable utilization of these resources. The institute is located in 300 acres of natural forestland, right in the lap of the Western Ghats of Palode, 40 km northeast to Thiruvananthapuram city. The core areas of JNTBGRI research are systematic studies, conservation and management of plant wealth of the country in general and the State in particular,bio prospecting of plants for sustainable utilisation, documentation of indigenous knowledge, education, extension and training on conservation and sustainable utilisation of plants. JNTBGRI is reckoned as the biggest conservatory garden in Asia with over 50,000 accessions belonging to 4000 species. It has discovered three genera and over 90 species of flowering plants and 400 taxa of fungi as new to science. Half a dozen horticultural plant varieties including orchid hybrids have been developed and registered.

 

Kerala School of Mathematics (KSOM)

 

7.13 Kerala School of Mathematics (KSOM) was established in 2009 as a joint venture of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India for carrying out advanced learning and research in Mathematics. It is situated at Kunnamangalam near Kozhikode. It plays a catalytic role in reviving the great mathematical traditions and promotes mathematical research in the country and Kerala in particular, through research at doctoral and post-doctoral level. It serves as a meeting ground for mathematicians from home and abroad.

 

Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences (SRIBS)

 

7.14 Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences (SRIBS) is a capacity building institute envisaged for research, teaching and learning in basic sciences. SRIBS was established by the Government of Kerala in 2013. The main objective of the institute is to formulate and implement programmes for capacity building for young faculty members, researchers and post graduate students in contemporary areas of sciences.

 

State Centre Resource Institute for Partnership in Technologies (SCRIPT)

 

7.15 The State-Centre Resource Institute for Partnerships in Technology (SCRIPT), a collaborative venture involving the Union Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE), is a new initiative which will be based in Thiruvananthapuram. It is envisaged as a platform for transfer of demand- driven technologies for improving the socio-economic standards and livelihood of the people of Kerala.

 

Critical Mineral Research Institute (CMRI)

 

7.16 Critical Mineral Research Institute (CMRI) is a new initiative with the broad objective of conducting high end R & D in the area of beach minerals for value addition and thereby enhancing the industrial technology innovations in this area.

 

Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Studies (MBGIPS)

 

7.17 The Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Studies (MBGIPS), formerly functioning as an autonomous Grant-in aid institution under Science and Technology Department has now turned into an R&D institution under KSCSTE. This is a centre for research on the aquatic plant diversity of the country and for conservation of the endangered plants of the erstwhile Malabar Region. It is situated at Pokkunnu in Kozhikode District in 40 acres of land comprising of marshy land and hilly terrain providing diverse habitat for varieties of plants. The Malabar Botanical Garden is unique in the nation for ex situ conservation of aquatic/wetland plants and for undertaking research on them.

 

Achievements of Scientific Institutions

 

7.18 Research Publications - The Research and Development Institutions of KSCSTE have been creating the wealth of knowledge in diverse fields. The institutes have produced a good number of publications in refereed journals, published books and chapters in books and presented research papers in national and international conferences. The number of research papers produced by R&D Institutions from 2012 onwards is portrayed in Figure 7.2.

 

Fig 7.2

Research Papers Produced by R&D Institutions from 2012 onwards

*(2015 is a quick estimate as on Nov 2015)

Source: R&D Institutions concerned

 

7.19 Considering the previous years, there is growth in number of publications in 2014. JNTGBRI and CWRDM contributed the bulk of publications. Number of research publications of R&D institutions from 2012 onwards is provided in Table 7.1.

 

Table 7.1

Research Publications by R & D Institutions

R & D Centre	2012	2013	2014	2015
NATPAC	19	21	25	11
JNTGBRI	90	160	114	81
CWRDM	95	66	107	80
KFRI	36	42	41	9
KSOM	2	1	2	4
MBGIPS	4	6	11	17
TOTAL	246	296	300	202

Source: R&D Institutions concerned

 

7.20 Manpower Training - Ensuring sustainable pipeline of talented youth for science is a challenge. The role of R & D institutions in nurturing up research aptitude and talent has foremost importance in orienting the youth to science, technology, innovations and S&T-based solutions that successfully lead an economy or a State. The R&D institutions of KSCSTE have produced 12 PhDs in 2015 (as on November 2015 estimates). The institutes have trained 534 manpower in research capacities and 243 in technical capacities. Table 7.2 provides the performance of the R &D institutions collectively in providing quality manpower, and producing output in terms of patents and technology transferred.

 

Table 7.2

Performance of R & D Institutions

R & D Centre	2012	2013	2014	2015
Ph D awarded	12	10	11	12
Research Manpower Trained (other than Ph D)	171	1017	703	534
Technical Manpower Trained	146	283	473	243
Patent Filed	1	1	Nil	1
Technology Transferred	Use of waste plastic for road construction by NATPAC

Source: R&D Institutions

 

Other Key Achievements

 

• Research Scholars supported by KSCSTE have published 135 papers in International Journals and 125 papers in National Journals during 2011-15

• 21 Publications of Research Scholars supported by KSCSTE bagged best paper awards

• Environmental Information System (ENVIS) web portal has been enriched with statistics of 24 diverse areas in 2014-15

• State Level Children Science Congress was held on the theme “Understanding weather and climate”

• One new species of flowering plant was discovered by a scholar of KSCSTE pursuing research in Calicut University and One new patent filed by another Scholar in 2015

• 61 patent applications received in 2014-15 and 2 forwarded after database serach

• Launched Varghese Kurian Young Scientist Fellowship to train scientist with PhD in cutting edge technology, management and entrepreneurship

• NATPAC formulated the proposal for pedestrian friendly transportation system for Corporations of Kerala

• Three new species of oil degrading bacteria were isolated as part of DST project by Malabar Botanical Garden and Plant Studies.

• Six new species of plastic degrading bacteria were isolated from plastic industries in Kerala by Malabar Botanical Garden and Plant Studies.

 

Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

 

7.21 The Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram (RCC) is a Government supported premier, dedicated centre for diagnosis, treatment and control of cancer in Kerala. It is rated amongst the top three of the 28 Regional Cancer Centers in the country and maintains a working relationship with international bodies such as the WHO, International Agency for Research on Cancer (France), International Atomic Energy Agency (Vienna), National Cancer Institute (USA), Institute for Cancer Research (UK), University of Leeds (UK), Health Research Foundation (Japan) and a host of other respected organizations.

 

7.22 Over the past thirty-four years, RCC has been able to contribute significantly to the increasing needs of cancer care of the people of the state of Kerala and adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by providing state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities at the lowest possible cost. In addition, RCC is committed to cancer control activities among the public, human resource generation in the various specialities of oncology as well as cancer research aimed at developing in new treatments for cancer. Box 7.2 provides the profile of the RCC in 2014-15 at a glance.

 

Source: Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

 

Enhancement of Patient Care Facilities

 

7.23 Early detection is the key to cancer cure. Modern diagnostics facilities are needed to detect cancers at very early stages. During the past five years, RCC could make phenomenal strides in procurement of advanced equipment for prompt diagnosis and timely treatments thus helping patient’s survival and quality of life. RCC has all the departments and treatment facilities required for comprehensive cancer care. Major Diagnostic & Treatment Facilities available are:

 

• • Pathology
• • Imageology
• • Nuclear Medicine
• • Clinical Laboratory
• • Transfusion Medicine
• • Microbiology
• • Cancer Research
• • Treatment Facilities
• • Radiation Oncology
• • Surgical Oncology
• • Medical Oncology
• • Paediatric Oncology
• • Palliative Care

 

7.24 Figure 7.3 gives the details of new patients registered in speciality clinics in 2014-15.

 

Fig 7.3

Speciality clinic wise number of New Patients Registered in 2014-2015

Source: Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

 

7.25 The highest percentage of new cancer cases registered were Chest & Gastrointestinal cancers followed by Gynaec, Genitourinary and Breast & Central Nervous System cancers. Including both new and review patients together, Breast & Central Nervous System comes first. Table 7.3 provides number of new and review patients undergone treatment in speciality clinics in the year 2014-2015.

 

Table 7.3

Speciality clinic wise number of patients (new and review) undergone

treatment in 2014-15

 

Clinic	New	Review	Total
Chest & Gastrointestinal	3623	30697	34320
Gynaec, Genitourinary	2749	31234	33983
Breast & Central Nervous System	2571	44842	47413
Head & Neck	2550	28180	30730
Haematolymphoreticular, bone and soft tissue sarcoma	2411	35653	38064
Paediatric	631	23424	24055
Thyroid	1404	13136	14540
Total	15939	207166	223105

Source: Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

 

 

7.26 The new cancer cases registered in 2014-15 reveals that people in middle age groups are more prone to cancer than other age groups. Most of the cases registered for male were in 55-64 years age group and female in 45-54 years age groups. Figure 7.4 illustrates age and sex wise new cancer patients registered for treatment in RCC in 2014-15.

 

Fig 7.4

Age & Sex wise number of New cases registered in 2014-15

Source: Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

 

Referral System

 

7.27 RCC is a tertiary level referral hospital and patients were referred from other government and private hospitals. Most of the cases were referred from Thiruvananthapuram district, followed by Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. In addition, 1922 cases were referred from Tamil Nadu, 117 cases from Karnataka, Lakshadweep and other Indian States. Also 229 patients from Maldives and 2 from Middle East have registered in 2014-15.

Patient Welfare Schemes

 

7.28 The RCC charges only minimum or subsidised rate for low income patients. Patients are grouped into categories according to their socio-economic status and payment capacities. Table 7.4 gives category wise number of New Patients registered in RCC in 2014-15.

 

Table 7.4

Categories of new Patients Registered (based on socio-economic status) in 2014-15

 

Category	No. of Patients	Percentage
Minimum payment	8573	53.78
Subsidised payment	3630	22.77
Normal rate	3736	23.45
Total	15,939	100

Source: Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

 

 

7.29 The RCC has provided free or subsidised treatment for more than 75 percent of new patients registered in 2014-15. Based on income and other eligibility criteria, patients were attached to various welfare schemes of both the Central and State Governments. The welfare schemes of State and Central Governments are:-

 

7.30 State Government Supported Schemes - Cancer Suraksha Scheme, Chis Plus, Karunya Benevolent Fund, Sukrutham, Thalolam, Scheduled Tribe Patient Fund, Snehasanthwanam for Endosulfan Victims.

 

7.31 Central Government Supported Schemes - Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, Health Minister’s Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), Health Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

 

RCC Initiatives

 

7.32 In addition to the Government supported schemes RCC provides support to patients and families through various other schemes as detailed below:

 

1. Cancer Care for Life (CCL) Scheme – This is a health insurance scheme for cancer treatment. Considering the large response from the public, the RCC has been modifying the scheme.

2. Free Drug Bank - The Free Drug Bank functions according to specific guidelines and provided full or partial help to 7258 patients during 2014-15.

3. Free Food (‘Akshayapathram’) - Free food was provided to 6828 patients belonging to low socio-economic status during 2014-15 with the support of many philanthropic organizations.

4. Support for Paediatric patients – Special schemes are available for children suffering from cancer. Under the ‘Kinginicheppu’ scheme, free food and treatment were provided to poor paediatric patients through voluntary contributions. ‘Prathyasa’, a voluntary group working in collaboration with Paediatric Oncology division gave financial and psychosocial support to children and their families.

5. Indian Cancer Society Support Scheme - RCC was selected as one of the five cancer centres across India for receiving financial support from the Indian Cancer Society for treatment of cancer. During 2014-15, 189 patients including 91 new patients received support worth Rs. 155 Lakhs.

 

Expansion of Physical Infrastructure

 

7.33 A new Out Patient block with 9 storey building has been constructed under State Plan Scheme. New building will accommodate most of the OP clinics with exclusive waiting areas, OP procedure rooms, nuclear medicine department, day chemotherapy wards and out-patient pharmacy. This building will also house the medical records and telemedicine facilities, and administrative offices. Further expansion of 25,000 sq meters building is envisaged in adjacent land and preliminary works have been started there.

 

Research & Development Activities

 

7.34 The RCC as a pioneer research institution in cancer research has also produced several PhDs in cancer research and 30 scholars are currently pursuing PhD. 30 residents have undergone specialisation in Medical, Paediatric and Surgical Oncology super speciality courses and 38 residents have undergone postgraduate courses in Anaesthesia, Pathology, Radio diagnosis and Radiotherapy. There are 144 research projects being undertaken during the year.

 

Cancer Control Activities

 

7.35 Cancer awareness programmes - 52 programmes were conducted mainly for high school/higher secondary school students and teachers, office staffs, lay public and vulnerable groups like the tribal population, fishermen community, and rural population and around 7500 people participated in these programmes

 

7.36 International School of Colposcopy - Six doctors were given one-week hands on training and 53 BSc (MLT) students were given one day orientation programme on diagnostic tools for early detection of cervical cancer.

 

7.37 Trainer-Trainee Programmes - 10 trainer-trainee programmes were conducted for health care providers which included doctors, post graduate medical students and paramedical staff from governmental and non-governmental institutions. Nineteen programmes were conducted for community volunteers from organisations such as the Kudumbasree and ASHA, public health training students, teachers and school students from various districts of the state.

 

7.38 Early cancer detection - In 2014-15, 3506 persons attended the Early Cancer Detection Clinics. RCC and its nodal centres also provide technical guidance and assistance in pre cancer management to other hospitals and institutions.

 

7.39 Cancer Outreach Programmes - Screening programmes for early detection of common cancers in the community, and sixty eight cancer detection camps were conducted in various parts of the State including tribal settlements of Idukki and Palakkad districts, in which 5529 people underwent screening.

 

7.40 RCC has also taken other programmes like campaign against substance abuse in high schools and higher secondary schools in Thiruvananthapuram District, Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV), Kerala Chapter, School based intervention programme against tobacco and alcohol consumption in high school/higher secondary schools and observed World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2014), Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2014), National Cancer Awareness Day (7 November 2014) and World Cancer Day (4 February 2015). A project titled ‘Swasthyam’ to empower women volunteers for cancer prevention and control activities in the community was inaugurated as part of World Cancer Day.

 

 

 

 

Section 2

Skill Development

 

7.41 Employability of the growing young population is an important factor in the economic development of the State. The economy becomes more productive, innovative and competitive by the existence of more skilled human potential. Economy which has skilled workforce can adjust more effectively to the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. Technological advancement in the existing areas and emergence of new areas in the service sector necessitates the imparting of more skills. Currently, there is severe mis-match between the talents and skills, required by the industry and skill-sets possessed by workforce. This results in majority of the people remaining unemployed. National Skill Development Mission envisages producing 500 million skilled manpower by the year 2022. Based on the population and to increasing matriculates passing out Kerala, 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh skilled man-power per year has to be trained annually to reach the national target.

 

7.42 Much has been done in recent years to upgrade Kerala’s skill development regime. But the existing capacity of skills training institutions in Kerala often generates skills that are below the international standard.In order to address these problems a project has been prepared in Colleges falling under the Higher Education Department. Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) is meant for those studying in various colleges in the State. ASAP strives to transform State of Kerala as a human resource hub of the region and is well positioned to capture growth opportunities. ASAP aims to impart industry specific skills to the needy students in the selected schools and colleges along with their regular studies through modular courses with the active participation of industry partners. Students enrolled with ASAP will get opportunity to learn sector specific skills of their choice. Communicative English and Basic IT modules are integral component of ASAP Programmes. Additional Skill Enhancement Programme (ASEP) has been developed for the students of ITIs and Registrants of Employment Exchanges. Physical details of ITIs are given in the Labour section. Along with this Modular Employable Skill Programme is also being run with the support of vocational training providers in the State.

 

Major initiatives

 

Craftsman Training

 

7.43 Industrial Training Department implements Craftsman Training Scheme to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers in different trades for the domestic industry. There are 78 Government ITIs, one Basic Training Centre, one Staff Training Institute, two AVTS, 486 private ITIs and 44 ITIs under Scheduled Caste Development Department (SCDD) exclusively for SC and 2 ITIs under Scheduled Tribe Development Departmen (STDD) exclusively for ST students functioning in the State. There are about 80 trades in which seats are allocated for Craftsman Training with a total seating capacity of 96,702.The details of ITIs and its trade and enrolment are given in the Appendix. The strength and enrolment of Government ITIs are given in Appendix 7.1. The trade/duration wise intake and out turn of Government ITIs are given in Appendix 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 , 7.5, 7.6. New trades introduced during last two years and institution wise apprentice are given in Appendix 7.7 and 7.8.

 

Apprenticeship Training

 

7.44 The Apprenticeship Training scheme is being conducted as per Apprentices Act, 1961, which was enacted with the objective to regulate the programme of training of apprentices in the industry so as to conform to a standard syllabi, period of training, skill sets etc and to utilize the facilities available in industries for imparting practical training with a view to meeting the requirements of skilled manpower for the industry. Apprenticeship is a contract between an apprentice and an employer to provide training in a particular skill in the establishment for a particular period and provide a stipend fixed as per the Apprentices Act. The Central/State Govt acts as the third party in contract regulating and monitoring the process. It was enacted with the purpose of utilizing the facilities available in industries for skill training and certification by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). Trade Apprenticeship training in Kerala is both a Central and State Initiative. Apprenticeship schemes in the state are implemented through Related Instruction centres in nine districts and ITIs in the remaining five districts.

 

7.45 There are 81 trades in which 9848 seats have been allocated for Apprenticeship Training, of which around 5000 seats are utilized. Around 2000 trainees are certified every year under this scheme. Government sector accounts for more than 50% of apprenticeship placements in the State.

 

Skill Development Initiative Scheme

 

7.46 Skill Development Initiative Scheme aims to give free training in Modular Employable Skill courses (MES) to early school leavers and existing workers especially in unorganized sectors for employable skills. Existing skills of person can also be tested and certified under this scheme. The successful trainees will be issued certificates by the National Council for Vocational Training.

 

7.47 The Department of Industrial Training is the authority for implementing & monitoring training in the Skill Development Initiative Scheme in the State. There are approximately 297 Vocational Training Provider (VTPs) in the State which are conducting the above scheme. As per the direction of the Director General of Employment & Training, Government of India, an amount of Rs.27.5 per trainee for one hour is being distributed to the VTPs. 30,394 trainees have completed training and 1731 trainees are undergoing training as on 31-10-2014. In the year 2015-16, it is envisaged to give training to at least 16,000 trainees under the programme.

 

State Institute for Staff Training and Technology Updating

 

7.48 State Institute for Staff Training and Technology Updating was started in 1999 at Kazhakkuttom, Thiruvananthapuram, to update the technical knowledge of Instructional Staff and others in pace with technical developments, Service Training Course and Principles of teaching methods are also imparted to the instructors of both Government and Private institutions. In the year 2013-14, 913 persons were trained through STI in various courses

 

Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE)

 

7.49 KASE is a Section - 25 company fully owned by Govt. of Kerala. The objective of the company is to facilitate mass human resource development through specialized skill development courses across the state. The participation of leading public and private industries is envisaged in the domains of construction, retail, finance, IT & ITES, tourism, hospitality etc. The main purpose of the academy is to spearhead the creation of highly skilled and safe professional workers, for all the levels of work in the industry, through scientifically designed specialized courses for various categories of workers. Training will be imparted to sharpen the technical skills as well as soft skills. To be at par with international standards, the workers need to be trained in soft skills like communication skills, language skills, safety and environment awareness etc., which is currently lacking in our work force as well as professional course students, who graduate from various colleges. It aims at imparting theoretical as well practical training of skill sets needed for each category -from supervisory level to working class.

 

 

 

 

Outlook

Innovation and skilled manpower is the need of the hour as the economy moves towards a competitive innovation based economy. Increasing focus on R&D, knowledge creation and technological progress is required to fuel innovation, productivity growth and capital creation. Kerala requires a focused approach towards spearheading innovation, entrepreneurhip and skill enhancement in the economy. 64% of the population of the State are in the age group 15-59 years (Census 2011) and this calls for a concerted approach to tap the demographic advantage. The skill shortages need to be plugged and effort is required towards acquisition of new skills. The State has to take adequate steps for creating and encouraging an environment which promotes research and development, nurtures entrepreneural skills and helps in acquisition of new skills attuned to the needs of the economy so as to raise the productivity levels in the economy.